Kings to retire Peja Stojakovic’s jersey

The Sacramento Kings intend to retire Peja Stojakovic’s number 16 jersey. The ceremony is to take place on December 16, when the Kings host the Oklahoma City Thunder. Predrag Stojakovic (207 cm), also commonly known by his nickname “Peja” is a Serbian-born player who also holds Greek citizenship. He was selected by Sacramento with the 14th pick in the 1996 NBA Draft. In his eight seasons with the Kings, Peja posted averages of 18.3 ppg and 5.0 rpg. The three-time All-Star (2002, 2003, 2004) is the team’s all-time leader in three-point shots made (1,070). Stojakovic’s number 16 jersey will only be the fourth number to be retired by the franchise. The other three players with whom he will soon share this honor are Vlade Divac (21), Chris Weber (4), and Mitch Richmond (2).

After his time in Sacramento, Stojakovic went on to play for Indiana, New Orleans, and Toronto. He won an NBA Championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, his last season in the league before announcing his retirement. Stojakovic is certainly one of the top European players of all time.